the commonwealth service - westminster abbey · the commonwealth service: a celebration of the...

The Commonwealth ServiceA Celebration of the Commonwealth

Monday 12th March 20183.15 pm

Pho

to c

red

it: R

ex F

eatu

res

The Commonwealth Service: A Celebration of the Commonwealth | 3

WE all have reason to give thanks for the numerous ways in which our lives are enriched when we learn from others. Through exchanging ideas, and

seeing life from other perspectives, we grow in understanding and work more collaboratively towards a common future. There is a very special value in the insights we gain through the Commonwealth connection; shared inheritances help us overcome difference so that diversity is a cause for celebration rather than division.

We shall see this in action at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting which takes place in the United Kingdom next month, bringing together young people, business, and civil society from across the Commonwealth.

These gatherings are themselves fine examples of how consensus and commitment can help to create a future that is fairer, more secure, more prosperous, and sustainable. Having enjoyed the warm hospitality of so many Commonwealth countries over the years, I look forward to the pleasure of welcoming the leaders of our family of 53 nations to my homes in London and Windsor.

Sport also contributes to building peace and development. The excitement and positive potential of friendly rivalry will be on display next month as we enjoy the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia. Contributing to the success of the Games, alongside athletes and officials, will be thousands of volunteers.

Voluntary effort, by people working as individuals, in groups or through larger associations, is so often what shapes the Commonwealth and all our communities. By pledging to serve the common good in new ways, we can ensure that the Commonwealth continues to grow in scope and stature, to have an even greater impact on people’s lives, today, and for future generations.

Elizabeth R.

Commonwealth Day Message 2018

4 | Towards a Common Future

AS we come together again for this very special annual Commonwealth event, the past, the present, and the future will be very much in our

thoughts and prayers.

The Past we remember because it reminds us of the amazing way in which today’s Commonwealth network of fifty-three nations (The Gambia has just re-joined) has grown out of history, and held together as a family, even when there were formidable forces working against it.

The Present is in our minds because the Commonwealth’s myriad of linkages – both governmental and non-governmental – creates a much-needed community of stability and understanding in a turbulent and dangerous world.

The Future occupies us because the miracles of technology make our Commonwealth, by its very nature, ideally suited to the coming world. People of all faiths, all interests and professions, men and women, young and old – but especially the young in their millions all across the globe – find themselves connected, linked, and able to work together in common aspiration as never before in history. Nobody planned this, and yet it is happening – a daily binding together and dialogue between nations and societies of vast diversity in voluntary association and exchange.

Our service today at Westminster Abbey will be honoured with the attendance of Her Majesty The Queen whose presence acts as a wonderful unifying influence. But perhaps the most important of all the Commonwealth’s aspects is that it gives us purpose and positive direction, in an age when many people, and even nations, feel confused and uncertain about their future and the uncharted seas ahead. The goal is clear – to build together, in a spirit of trust and friendship, a safer and more prosperous future for every one of the Commonwealth’s citizens. Today we invite people in cities, towns, and villages across the Commonwealth to come together, to reflect, and to look forward to what we can achieve together.

The Right Honourable the Lord Howell of Guildford PCChairman, Council of Commonwealth Societies,

and President, The Royal Commonwealth Society

Welcome


WHAT IS THE COMMONWEALTH? The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of fifty-three independent and equal sovereign states. It is home to 2.4 billion citizens, and includes some of the world’s largest, smallest, richest, and poorest countries, spanning five regions. Thirty of its members are small states, many of them island nations.

WHAT IS THE COMMONWEALTH THEME? Every year, the Commonwealth chooses a theme to provide a focus for its activities. The theme is celebrated throughout the year with special events taking place during Commonwealth Week, including the Commonwealth Service.

WHAT DOES ‘TOWARDS A COMMON FUTURE’ MEAN? ‘Towards a Common Future’ renews our Commonwealth vision, and recommits to building on the individual and collective strengths of all member countries to meet the needs of our citizens, to respond to global challenges, and deliver a more prosperous, secure, sustainable, and fair future for all, particularly our young people.

Towards a Common Future


The Commonwealth Service will be broadcast live on BBC One from 2.45 pm.

The use of private cameras, video, or sound-recording equipment is strictly prohibited. Please ensure that mobile telephones and other electronic devices are switched off.

The service is sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey, directed by James O’Donnell, Organist and Master of the Choristers. The organ is played by Peter Holder, Sub-Organist.

State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry, directed by Trumpet Major Matthew Screen, and the Fanfare Team from the Grenadier Guards, directed by Sergeant Gavin Hall, both appear by kind permission of Major-General Ben Bathurst CBE, Major-General commanding The Household Division.

Outside the Great West Door, One-Drum plays Kpanlogo music, drawn from older Ga drumming traditions such as Kolomashie.

Ng ti R nana, the London M ori Choir, sings:

E nga Iwi anonymousHaere Mai/Toia Mai anonymousT rere Hirini MelbourneKa Pioioi WaikatoTe Aroha Morvin SimonPokarekare ana Paraire TomoanaWhakaria Mai anonymousTe Hokinga Mai P Mariu

Matthew Jorysz, Assistant Organist, plays:

Meditation on ‘Brother James’s Air’ Harold Darke (1888–1976)Sursum Corda Op 11 Edward Elgar (1857–1934) arranged by Edwin Lemare (1865–1934)

Before the Service


The flags of the member countries are carried in the order determined by the date of membership (when read from right to left).

The Procession of the Flags

Canada

New Zealand

India

Sri Lanka

Malaysia

Cyprus

Tanzania

Trinidad and Tobago

Kenya

Malta

The Gambia

Singapore

Botswana

Barbados

Swaziland

Tonga

Fiji Islands

The Bahamas

Papua New Guinea

Solomon Islands

Dominica

Kiribati

Vanuatu

Antigua and Barbuda

Brunei Darussalam

Cameroon

Rwanda

United Kingdom

Australia

South Africa

Pakistan

Ghana

Nigeria

Sierra Leone

Jamaica

Uganda

Malawi

Zambia

Guyana

Lesotho

Mauritius

Nauru

Samoa

Bangladesh

Grenada

Seychelles

Tuvalu

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and The Grenadines

Belize

Saint Christopher and Nevis

Namibia

Mozambique


An Honorary Steward •

The Chair of The Royal Commonwealth Society Claire Whitaker OBE

• The Chairman of the Victoria League for

Commonwealth Fellowship Brigadier Anthony Faith CBE

• The Chairman of the Royal Over-Seas League

Sir David Brewer KG CMG CVO •

The Chairman of the English-Speaking Union The Right Honourable The Lord Boateng

• Athletes from England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland process

The Procession of Honoured Guests and Participants


The Procession of Honoured Guests and Participants

Representing theBuddhist community

The Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala •

Representing theJewish Reformed SynagoguesRabbi Debbie Young-Somers

•Representing the

Zoroastrian communityMr Malcolm M Deboo

•Representing theHindu communityMrs Trupti Patel

•Representing

Liberal JudaismRabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein

Representing the Sikh community

The Lord Singh of Wimbledon CBE

•Representing the

Shi’a Muslim communityMaulana Sayed Ali Abbas Razawi

•Representing the

Sunni Muslim communityShaykh Ibrahim Mogra

•Representing

Orthodox JudaismRabbi Jason Kleiman

•Representing theJain community

Dr Natubhai Shah

THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FAITH COMMUNITIES

A Verger•

•Representing the Baha’i community

Mr Patrick O’Mara

THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

A Verger•

The Methodist ChurchThe Reverend Dr Martyn Atkins

•The Syrian Orthodox Church

His Eminence Archbishop Athanasius Toma Dawod

•The Coptic Orthodox Church

His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos

The Church of ScotlandThe Reverend Andrea Price

•The Roman Catholic ChurchCanon Christopher Tuckwell

•

The Orthodox ChurchHis Eminence Archbishop Gregorios


The Service

Their Royal Highnesses The Duke of York, The Princess Royal, Princess Alexandra, the Honourable Lady Ogilvy, The Countess of Wessex, and The Duchess of Gloucester are received. Presentations are made. All remain seated.

Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales, and Ms Meghan Markle are received. Presentations are made. All remain seated.

Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall are received.

A fanfare is sounded. All stand.

Her Majesty The Queen is received. Presentations are made.

All sing

THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

GOD save our gracious Queen, long live our noble Queen,

God save The Queen. Send her victorious, happy and glorious, long to reign over us: God save The Queen.

arranged by Gordon Jacob


All sing

THE HYMN

The Service

O PRAISE ye the Lord! praise him in the height;

rejoice in his word, ye angels of light; ye heavens adore him by whom ye were made,and worship before him, in brightness arrayed.

O praise ye the Lord! praise him upon earth,in tuneful accord, ye sons of new birth;praise him who has brought you his grace from above,praise him who has taught you to sing of his love.

O praise ye the Lord! all things that give sound;each jubilant chord, re-echo around;loud organs, his glory forth tell in deep tone,and, sweet harp, the story of what he has done.

O praise ye the Lord! thanksgiving and songto him be outpoured all ages along:for love in creation, for heaven restored,for grace of salvation, O praise ye the Lord! Amen, amen.

Laudate Dominum 427 NEH Hubert Parry (1848–1918)

Henry Baker (1821–77)

A - men,___ a - men.


THE PROCESSION OF THE QUEEN

The Beadle•

The Choir of Westminster Abbey•

The Cross of Westminster and Lights•

Major-General The Reverend Guy Chapdelaine•

The Minor Canons of Westminster•

The Canons’ Verger•

The Canons of Westminster•

The High Bailiff The High Steward•

The Queen’s Almsmen•

An Honorary Steward•

The Commonwealth Flag (with Brownie and Scout escort)•

The Commonwealth Secretary-General•

The Honourable Dr Joseph Muscat koum•

The Chief Honorary Steward•

The Chairman of the Council of Commonwealth Societies•

The Dean’s Verger•

The Commonwealth Mace

•

The Service

The Dean of Westminster •

Her Royal HighnessThe Duchess of Cornwall

HER MAJESTY THE QUEENHEAD OF THE COMMONWEALTH

•His Royal HighnessThe Prince of Wales

Suite-in-Attendance


The Service

All remain standing. The Very Reverend Dr John Hall, Dean of Westminster, gives

THE BIDDING

ON behalf of the Dean and Chapter, I welcome you warmly to Westminster Abbey, for our annual celebration of the Commonwealth.

This year we look together Towards a Common Future, in which all can flourish and become what we are in the care and keeping of almighty God.

As we give thanks for our rich diversity and for our common humanity, let us pray together for peace and unity, and that we may offer one another mutual friendship and support.

First, in the words of Jesus, let us pray for the coming of God’s kingdom:

OUR Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day

our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

All sit. Ng ti R nana, the London M ori Choir, sings

THE CALL FOR WELCOME

KUA rongo mai koe ki te reo p hiri You have heard the voice of welcome: E karanga ake nei e The call of welcome indeed.

E karanga ake ana ki te ao wh nui Calling to all the people of the world.Piki mai kake mai r Welcome, and draw closer. N wai te reo, n wai te mana Whose is this voiceE karanga ake nei e That has issued this call?Ko koe te Kuini Irih peti It is that of Queen ElizabethKi ng iwi o te ao e. To all the people of the world.


The Service

Bob Chilcott (b 1955) from A General Thanksgiving

The Book of Common Prayer 1662

A REFLECTIONfrom the Sacrarium

Jaspreet Kaurpoet and teacher

The Choir of Westminster Abbey sings

THE ANTHEM

WE bless thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; for thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our

Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we beseech thee, give us that due sense of all thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful, and that we shew forth thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives; by giving up ourselves to thy service, and by walking before thee in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


The Service

The Right Honourable Theresa May mp, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, reads

THE READING

BY the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgement,

each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

Romans 12: 3–13

Liam Payne sings from the Nave

WAITING ON THE WORLD TO CHANGE

John Mayer (b 1977)


The Service

A REFLECTIONfrom the Great Pulpit

Dr Andrew BastawrousFounder, Peek Vision

The Portsmouth Gospel Choir sings from the Nave

BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER

Paul Simon (b 1941)


The Service

All stand to sing

THE HYMN

LORD of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy, whose trust, ever child-like, no cares could destroy,

be there at our waking, and give us, we pray, your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.

Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith,whose strong hands were skilled at the plane and the lathe,be there at our labours, and give us, we pray,your strength in our hearts, Lord, at the noon of the day.

Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace,your hands swift to welcome, your arms to embrace,be there at our homing, and give us, we pray,your love in our hearts, Lord, at the eve of the day.

Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm,be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.

Slane 239 NEH Jan Struther (1901–53)


The Service

All sit for

THE PRAYERS The Reverend Dr Martyn Atkins, representing the Methodist Church, says:

GRACIOUS God, giver of real hope and true peace; draw us all, in our wonderful diversity of culture, language, and custom, deeper into your good purposes

for the whole of your creation. Help and strengthen us by your Holy Spirit as we desire and commit ourselves to protect and care for this fragile planet and each other, and as we seek a common future in which mercy and justice reign and our world resembles more truly your kingdom of heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Mr Patrick O’Mara, representing the Baha’i community, says:

O THOU kind Lord! Thou hast created all humanity from the same stock. Thou hast decreed that all shall belong to the same household. In thy holy

presence they are all thy servants, and all mankind are sheltered beneath thy tabernacle; all have gathered together at thy table of bounty; all are illumined through the light of thy providence. Thou hast endowed each and all with talents and faculties, and all are submerged in the ocean of thy mercy.

O thou kind Lord! Unite all. Let the religions agree and make the nations one, so that they may see each other as one family and the whole earth as one home. May they all live together in perfect harmony.

Abdu’l-Bahá

Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein, representing Liberal Judaism, says:

ETERNAL God, we pray for the coming of the day when all your children will live together in peace and friendship; when oppression, discrimination,

and prejudice will be relics of the past. May that day come soon: when all men and women will know and understand that they are brothers and sisters, and be united in humble reverence before you, and in mutual love and respect.’How good it is, and how pleasant, when sisters and brothers live together in unity!’

Psalm 113: 1


The Service

Mr Malcolm M Deboo, representing the Zoroastrian community, says:

THERE are many religions, but God is one. There are many countries, but the world is one. There are many races, but humanity is one. There are men and

women, but they are equal as both can think good, speak good and do good. We must all strive to improve our world and overcome evil. Today is better than yesterday and tomorrow will be better than today, because of our cumulative goodness. God creates. As we are all children of God, our cumulative goodness constantly increases the power of God. Evil only destroys; it cannot create.Therefore, it is finite and will come to an end one day.

Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra, representing the Sunni Muslim community, says:

O LORD, you are peace. From you is peace. You are blessed. O Sustainer, you are most high. O one of majesty and nobility, you created us from

one man and one woman. Had it been your will you would have made us all the same, but you made us into nations and tribes so that we may know each other. O magnificent Creator; enable us to respect and celebrate the diversity you have created. Join together all our hearts as one; free us from fear, hunger, disease, and war. O loving Creator; we ask you to answer our prayer through your grace and your mercy, amin.

His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, representing the Coptic Orthodox Church, says:

ALMIGHTY God, we pray for those who face challenges across the Commonwealth, and for a safe and prosperous future that provides hope,

especially for its young people. In the face of these challenges, we pray for the courage to entrust ourselves into your faithful hands, knowing that this is our most secure place.

As we gather to pray for the shared vision of our diverse family, we thank you for our Commonwealth under the faithful stewardship of Her Majesty The Queen. May she, The Royal Family, and all who share in this responsibility, be guided by you, and be rewarded for their steadfastness and commitment. Amen.


The Service

The Choir of Westminster Abbey sings

THE ANTHEM

O BE joyful in the Lord, all ye lands : serve the Lord with gladness, and come before his presence with a song.

Be ye sure that the Lord he is God : it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the

sheep of his pasture.O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise : be thankful unto him, and speak good of his name.For the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting : and his truth endureth from generation to generation.Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to the Holy Ghost;as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without end. Amen. William Walton (1902–83) Psalm 100

All stand. The Right Honourable The Baroness Scotland of Asthal QC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, says

THE ACT OF AFFIRMATION TO THE COMMONWEALTH

LET us now stand to pledge ourselves afresh to uphold and serve the values and fellowship of the Commonwealth.

We affirm that every person possesses unique worth and dignity.We affirm our respect for nature, and that we will be stewards of the earth by caring for every part of it, and for it as a whole.We affirm our belief in justice for everyone, and peace between peoples and nations.Joining together in kinship and affinity as members of one worldwide Commonwealth family, we acknowledge our shared inheritances, and celebrate the goodwill and mutual respect which inspire us to work with one another towards a common future that is fairer, more secure, more prosperous, and more sustainable for the good of all.

All respond:

We affirm our belief in the Commonwealth as a force for good in the world and pledge ourselves to its service, now and for the future.


The Service

All sing

THE HYMN

G UIDE me, O thou great Redeemer, pilgrim through this barren land;

I am weak, but thou art mighty; hold me with thy powerful hand: Bread of heaven,feed me till I want no more.

Open now the crystal fountain whence the healing stream doth flow;let the fiery cloudy pillar lead me all my journey through: strong Deliverer,be thou still my strength and shield.

When I tread the verge of Jordan, bid my anxious fears subside;Death of death, and hell’s Destruction, land me safe on Canaan’s side: songs of praisesI will ever give to thee.

Cwm Rhondda 368 NEH John Hughes (1873–1932) arranged by James O'Donnell (b 1961)

William Williams (1717–91)


The Service

The Dean pronounces

THE BLESSING

GOD grant to the living grace; to the departed rest; to the Church, The Queen, the Commonwealth, and all mankind, peace and concord; and to us sinners

life everlasting: and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

The clergy and choir, together with Her Majesty The Queen and members of The Royal Family, move to the west end of the church.

Music after the service:

Flourish for an Occasion William Harris (1883–1973)

Members of the congregations are asked to remain in their places until invited to move by the Honorary Stewards.

The Bells of the Abbey church are rung.

Retiring Collection

THE ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY

The Royal Commonwealth Society, founded in 1868, is a network of individuals and organisations committed to improving the lives and prospects of Commonwealth citizens across the world.

For 150 years The Royal Commonwealth Society has, through advocacy, youth empowerment, and education, played a leading role in promoting the values that define the Commonwealth. The Society’s rich history of providing a platform for young voices started in 1883 with the international schools’ writing contest. Today, The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition continues as a vehicle for the development of young people’s literacy and critical thinking skills, while the Society’s youth-focused programmes provide advancement opportunities for globally-minded young people.

The retiring collection will contribute towards the Society’s ongoing efforts to engage with young Commonwealth citizens.


Jaspreet KaurJaspreet Kaur, better known as Behind the Netra for her poetry, is an award-winning spoken word artist and history teacher from east London focused on sharing her thoughts on gender issues, mental health stigma, historical topics, and positive social change. Jaspreet actively works with national governments, corporations, and charities alike, such as TED, Westminster Interfaith Council, and Action for Children, using her poetry to inspire and drive change.

Dr Andrew Bastawrous Dr Andrew Bastawrous is an eye surgeon and Co-Founder and CEO of Peek Vision, a social enterprise which develops technology to bring better vision and health to everyone. He has worked and undertaken research in over twenty countries, and has been voted one of the world’s thirty most influential people in public health. He is a TED Fellow, Rolex Laureate, Ashoka Fellow, and World Economic Forum Young Global Leader.

The Right Honourable Theresa May MP

Theresa May became the Leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in July 2016. Prior to this she served as Home Secretary from May 2010, having first been elected to Parliament in May 1997 to represent the constituency of Maidenhead. She was a member of the Shadow Cabinet from 1999 to 2010, including rôles as Shadow Secretary of State for Education and Employment, Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, and Shadow Leader of the House of Commons. From 2002 to 2003 she was the first woman Chairman of the Conservative Party. She married her husband, Philip, in 1980.

The Right Honourable Patricia Scotland QC

Patricia Scotland took office as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth in April 2016. She serves the 53 governments and 2.4 billion citizens of the Commonwealth. Born in Dominica, she moved to the UK at an early age. A lawyer, she became both the youngest and first black woman to be appointed Queen‘s Counsel. She is the only woman since the post was created in 1315 to be Attorney General for England and Wales.

Participants


Participants

One-DrumOne-Drum is a London-based collective of Ghanaian musicians, master drummers, dancers, and performers. The artists and teachers emanate from the diversity of Ghana’s rich ethnic traditions, each committed to creating inclusive, engaging work that uses cultural expression as a catalyst to change perceptions. Our authentic African drumming and dance is the beat of the heart, the pulse of the blood and the rhythm of life. It is a celebration of the spirit that is as old as humankind.

Ng ti R nana London M ori ClubNg ti Ra nana is a London based community group who practise and celebrate New Zealand M ori culture and traditions. Their membership consists of people who have come from, or have a connection or interest in Aotearoa New Zealand, but call London home. Since their establishment sixty years ago, they have represented Aotearoa New Zealand through M ori Performing Arts, Kapa Haka, and upholding Mori ceremonial traditions at a wide range of events throughout the world.

Liam PayneLiam Payne is a British singer, songwriter, and performer. Having risen to worldwide fame and success as a founding member (and songwriter) of platinum-selling, award-winning pop band One Direction, Liam has since launched his solo career. His debut single was released last year and sold over six million records worldwide – making him the most successful current member of One Direction to date. His follow up Top 20 track garnered 67 million streams on Spotify alone. Liam recently released a Top 10 duet with singer Rita Ora entitled ‘For You’, which they both performed at the BRIT Awards in February. He is due to release his debut album on Capitol Records later this year.

Portsmouth Gospel Choir Portsmouth Gospel Choir is a dynamic and energetic student led gospel choir from the University of Portsmouth. They found national fame when they reached the finals of the BBC’s Pitch Battles, amazing viewers with their harmonies and passion for the craft. Their founding principal relies on creating an atmosphere where people can actively express themselves through music whilst praising God simultaneously.


Participants

The Choir of Westminster AbbeyThe Abbey’s world-famous choir of boys and men plays a central role both in the daily choral services in the Abbey and in the many royal, state and national occasions which take place here. In addition, the choir’s schedule includes a wide range of high-profile recordings, broadcasts, concerts, and overseas tours. All the choristers are educated at the Abbey’s unique Choir School. Auditions take place throughout the year and enquiries are welcome at any time.

Henley Media Group Henley Media Group produces publications and runs events to help catalyse trade, investment, and sustainable development across the Commonwealth. The London-based company is delighted to assist The Royal Commonwealth Society and Westminster Abbey with printing this Order of Service for today’s Commonwealth Service. www.henleymediagroup.com

With Thanks To

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition is the world’s oldest English language international writing competition and has been run by The Royal Commonwealth Society since 1883. Commonwealth citizens aged eighteen and under are encouraged to enter the competition, expressing their ideas, hopes and thoughts, through the written word, to an international body of voluntary judges.

The competition gives young people from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to make their voices heard on a global platform, to engage with issues important to them, and to express their aspirations for the future. Each year, participants demonstrate their ability to stimulate and provoke discussions about important Commonwealth and global issues from a young person’s perspective and to showcase their critical and creative skills. Past winners have gone on to become authors, journalists, politicians, and academics, and include Mr Lee Hsien Loong, the Prime Minister of Singapore, and Pulitzer prize winning journalist, Mei Fong.

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2018 explores the theme of Towards a Common Future, in line with that of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, to be held in London and Windsor this April. Through topics that explore the sub-themes of Safety, Sustainability, Prosperity and Fairness, young people are asked to consider their hopes, ideas, and expectations for the future and what role the Commonwealth network will play to support this.

Participants are encouraged to be creative in their responses and answers can be submitted in a number of formats, including a poem, letter, folk tale, script, or essay. The closing date for entries is 1st June 2018.

Further information can be found at www.thercs.org/competition

The 2017 Winners from Australia, Canada, India and England at the Award Ceremony with HRH The Duchess of Cornwall


Behind the Scenes

The Commonwealth MaceThe Mace, carried by Zachary Phillips, goes before Her Majesty The Queen. It was a gift of the Royal Anniversary Trust to The Queen in her rôle as Head of the Commonwealth, on the fortieth anniversary of her accession to the throne. The Mace is used on special Commonwealth occasions, including the Commonwealth Day celebrations in London, and at biennial Heads of Government Meetings.

FlowersThe striking flowers you see around the Abbey have been prepared by the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies under the direction of Jane Rowton-Lee.

Flag-bearersThe flag-bearers have been recruited with the support of the High Commissions in London, who each nominate a flag-bearer from their own country usually resident in the United Kingdom. The Commonwealth Flag is carried by Zinat Ara Afroze and is accompanied by an escort of Brownies and Scouts from the United Kingdom.

The Council of Commonwealth Societies (CCS)The CCS is a group of organisations which promotes the value of Commonwealth Day and seeks to raise the profile of the modern Commonwealth. The CCS gratefully acknowledges the financial support of its member organisations:

• Association of Commonwealth Universities

• Commonwealth Countries League• Commonwealth Foundation• Commonwealth Games Federation• Commonwealth Local Government

Forum• Commonwealth Parliamentary

Association (International Secretariat)

• Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (UK)

• Commonwealth Secretariat• Corona Worldwide• English Speaking Union• Foreign and Commonwealth Office• Goodenough College• Pacific Islands Society• Royal Over-Seas League• The Royal Commonwealth Society• Victoria League for Commonwealth

Friendship

Bring people together to celebrate what we have in common

between 12 March – 22 April

Register for your Commonwealth Big Lunch packwww.commonwealthbiglunches.com #commonwealthbiglunch

Host a Commonwealth Big Lunch

To find out more information about the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, please go to chogm2018.org.uk

SHARE THE DREAM

18 SPORTS 17 VENUES 11 DAYS

XXI COMMONWEALTH GAMES 4 – 15 APRIL

GC2018.com

AUSTRALIA

Westminster Abbey Association

Join from £40Benefits include:

• Fast track admission• Unlimited free entry• Programme of events• Early notification of selected services• Discounts in the shops• 10% discount in the Cellarium Café• Quarterly Newsletter

To purchase membership and gift membership, please visit westminster-abbey.org/association

For more information, email [email protected] or telephone 020 7654 4843

Become a Member of the Abbey Association

BECOME A 150 FELLOW OF THE ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY

IN THIS OUR 150TH YEAR

Through youth empowerment, education and advocacy, the RCS champions human rights, equality, democracy and sustainable development.

www.thercs.org

For 150 years The Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) has played a leading role in promoting the values that define the Commonwealth. In this our 150th year, we invite you to donate £150 to The Royal Commonwealth Society, becoming an RCS 150 Fellow and helping us to continue our work of improving the lives and prospects of Commonwealth citizens around the world.

RCS 150 Fellows receive:

• An invitation to a prestigious celebration of the RCS’ 150 years

• A commemorative gift• Inclusion on the RCS 150 Fellow Register• Books and magazines throughout the year

1894 – 2016 1957 – 2017 1883 – 2018

Champion of Equality The RCS has long championed the use of dialogue to challenge the most pressing Commonwealth issues and has been at the forefront of debate on gender discrimination, domestic violence and child marriage within the Commonwealth. As far back as 1894, the RCS promoted Gender Equality, inviting a woman to read a paper at a meeting for the first time and admitting women as Fellows to the Society in 1922. Since 2016 we have enabled a youth voice to address the United Nations on gender issues.

Trusted ConvenorStatesmen of newly independent countries, including Ghana’s first Prime Minister, Kwame Nkrumah in 1957, sought the platform of the RCS to share their visions for the future. In the 80’s Oliver Tambo, Thabo Mbeki, Chief Buthelezi and Desmond Tutu joined us to speak about South Africa’s future and Nelson Mandela gave his first UK press conference from the RCS in 1990. This reputation continues and saw us convene a number of former Presidents in 2017 to discuss ‘leaving no one behind’ in global development.

Promoter of YouthEach year, since 1883, the RCS has encouraged the creativity and imagination of tens of thousands of young people. With its rich history of empowering young voices and recognising the achievement of aspiring writers, the international schools’ writing contest, now The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, continues to be a vehicle for the development of young people’s literacy and critical thinking skills, helping to expand their world view.

The Abbey is served by a hearing loop. Users should turn their hearing aids to the setting marked T.

Members of the congregation are kindly requested to refrain from using private cameras, video, or sound-recording equipment. Please ensure that mobile telephones and other electronic devices are switched off.

Photographs from this event are available from www.picturepartnership.co.uk

The Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) is a network of individuals and organisations committed to improving the lives and prospects of Commonwealth citizens across the world. Founded in 1868, it is non-partisan, is independent of governments, and is supported by public generosity. The Society engages with its youth, civil society, business, and governmental networks to address issues that matter to the citizens of the Commonwealth. Its primary focus is the promotion of young people throughout the Commonwealth.

The Royal Commonwealth Society is constituted by Royal Charter and is a registered charity (no 226748) in England and Wales.

Hymns covered by Christian Copyright Licensing (International) Ltd are reproduced under CCL no 1040271.

the commonwealth service - westminster abbey · the commonwealth service: a celebration of the...

Documents